St Athanasius

St Athanasius (296-373) was a Greek Christian theologian, a native of Alexandria, and a deacon of the Church. He was an upholder of Christian orthodoxy against the Arian heresy. His works consist of treatises and orations bearing on the Arian controversy, and in vindication of the doctrine of the Trinity viewed in the most absolute sense.

Athanasius took a prominent part against Arius in the Council at Nice, and was his most uncompromising antagonist. He was chosen bishop of Alexandria; driven forth again and again from his bishopric under persecution of the Arians; retired into the Thebaïd for a time; spent the last 10 years of his life as bishop at Alexandria, where he died. Feast day, May 2.